In brief
A boat near Sokoto River in Nigeria over‑crowded with more than 70 passengers, mostly children, capsized, killing at least 46 people. Emergency crews are still searching for survivors in a difficult terrain. The incident highlights ongoing safety failures, including poor maintenance, lack of life jackets, and weak enforcement of rules that have caused similar tragedies across the country.
At least 46 people die after boat capsizes in north‑western Nigeria
In a tragic event on the Sokoto River, a boat carrying more than 70 people—mostly children—took on water and capsized, leaving at least 46 people dead and 16 rescued.
Police spokesperson Ahmad Rufai reports 46 bodies were found near Gorau, with 15 others still missing.
Emergency services face a difficult terrain to reach the site and are coordinating a rescue team.
Witnesses say the children were traveling with farm owners to a rice harvest when the boat tipped over.
Boat accidents are common across Nigeria due to overcrowding, poor maintenance and weak safety enforcement, which have claimed dozens more lives in recent years.
- Recommend safer boats and life jackets.
- Dredging waterways.
- Deploying water guards at jetties.
- Proper training and licenses for operators.
For rural Nigerians, rivers remain a vital transport route. Without safer boats, communities risk repeat tragedies.
